Sarawak abolishes quit rent – another reason I am thankful to be a Sarawakian

WELL the State Government under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem abolished quit rent in the State for smallholder agricultural land and residential land as of yesterday (March 15).

The definition of smallholder agricultural land here is land below 100 acres. Now that applies to most of us with gardens and paddy fields in the village as well as our village homes. In the cities and towns, it means our homes are also no longer subject to quit rent.

“With effect from March 15 land rent shall no longer be charged on these land. All arrears and surcharges, if any are hereby waived,” said our Chief Minister.

Wow. That means those of us who have not been able to settle the quit rent over the years also get a reprieve. Amazing.

I am really grateful to be a Sarawakian. Unlike my fellow Malaysians in the peninsula, I do not have to worry about paying tolls to get from point A to point B. In future I will be able to travel by the Pan Borneo Highway to visit friends and relatives throughout our Great State without paying any tolls as well.

The electricity bill for my house is really low and I don’t have to pay the goods and services tax (GST) when dealing with my local council.

There’s also discussions on lowering the assessment rates.

With the cost of living rising globally, our State government has shown that it truly understands the needs of the people and is working to lighten the financial burdens of Sarawakians.

Is it any wonder that we’re on Team Adenan?

The Bernama story:

Sarawak government abolishes quit rent

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem on Tuesday announced that the state government had abolished payment of certain land-quit rents.

“Referring to the announcement made on Feb 26 on ‘The remission of land rent’, I would like to specify that this remission will apply to smallholder agriculture land which is less than 100 acres and residential land.

“With effect from March 15 land rent shall no longer be charged on these land. All arrears and surcharges, if any are hereby waived,” he told a press conference.

He said the decision would affect 360,422 titles with land rent amounting to RM8.58mil or 19% of total land rent.

“173,752 titles are smallholder agriculture land (less than 100 acres) with land rent amounting to RM3.62mil or eight percent of total land rent and 186,670 titles are residential land with land rent amounting to RM4.96mil or 11% of total land rent,” he said.

According to Adenan, Sarawak is the first and only state to make such decision.

When asked about those who had already paid up in advance, he said the state government would refund them.

Meanwhile, he said the Cabinet would discuss matters relating to assessment rates for residential, commercial and industrial properties, from time to time.

“The Cabinet will discuss the matter and also whether July 22 should be made a public holiday in Sarawak to commemorate our self-government. I will make the announcement on these two matters later on,” he said. – Bernama